Are you flying for the first time? Well, whether it is a domestic or international destination, the feeling for the first-time flyer is a heady mix of excitement and nerves. Worrying about all the preparation, starting from packing to getting to the airport, everything appears a little edgy yet exciting. Dozens of questions may arise along the lines of ‘How to pack for a flight?’, ‘What should I pack and what to avoid?’, ‘How to approach the airport authorities?’, or ‘What documents should I keep on my person?’, and so on. And in the midst of it all, you will be making a blunder if you’re thinking of travelling without an insurance cover. 

You may ask, why would you need that, right?

Hold on…we’re coming to that point.

In this article, you’ll find a useful guide and some tips to prepare for your first-time trip and ensure your mind is at ease. Let’s have a look:

Traveling without a Cover? Strict ‘NO’

While travelling, you should try to avoid unforeseen possibilities that could burn a hole in your wallet. By adding an overseas travel insurance plan into your financial kitty, you could easily beat unplanned expenses that may arise during your trip. The best part is, that you can buy an overseas travel insurance policy online as well, which saves your time and money at the same time. Also, if your health is a concern, you don’t need to purchase a separate plan, as your travel insurance covers medical emergencies.

What all is Covered by Overseas Travel Insurance?

An international travel insurance plan benefits you in a various way. You can access this plan instantly if you choose an online travel insurance option. This is cheap, also. Whether you’re travelling alone or in a group, for a family reunion or to attend a wedding, travel insurance goes hand-in-hand with travel. This plan covers you against -

• Medical emergencies
• Loss of baggage
• Loss of important documents like Passport
• Personal Accident Cover
• Liability cover
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Dental treatment
• Trip cancellation
• Terrorist attack
• Expenses incurred during repatriation of remains

This is what an international travel insurance plan covers you for. I hope we’ve justified the importance of including travel insurance in your check-list.

Now that you’re convinced, let’s jump into more travel trips that you may find useful.

What Should I Pack?

Packing your bags is the most important and necessary headache in the list. Here you need to be quite calculative about what to pack and what not to. Make sure you pack every essential item for the activities you have planned to do during the trip. 

• Pack your bags considering the activity you’re going to do. If you’re going for a trek or adventure trip, there is no point in packing formal outfits.
• It is beneficial to pack a few basic clothing options, so you’ll have the option of mixing and matching them to create the most number of pieces. 
• To save luggage space, wear the bulky clothes or items like boots, coats, etc., rather than packing them in your luggage. 
• Don’t forget to keep your necessary documents accessible. Documents like your passport and visa should be on your person at all times, so consider designating a bag or pouch specifically for them so they’re always within your reach.

Well, how to travel is completely the traveller’s choice. Some like to travel light, while others prefer keeping a few extra things for emergencies. 

In case of travel luggage, there are carry-on and checked-in options available at the airport. When you opt for carry-on, you can keep your baggage with you. On the other hand, under the check-in option, your luggage will be transported by the airline with whom you’re travelling. Even from a security point of view, one should travel with a checked-in luggage so that in case of an emergency you can claim compensation against the loss from your travel insurer. Yes, your travel insurance also covers you for loss of checked-in luggage.

Tips to Ease Your First-time Airport Experience 

• At your arrival: Park at or hire a cab to the airport terminal. In case you are taking your car make sure you know the parking spaces there. Terminal parking options are costlier, so check if you can park at a distance, which is cheaper. Make sure you arrive well before your time and not just the prescribed 1 hour in advance. Since, it’s your first flight, many things may be unfamiliar to you, so it’s best to have some extra time on your hands.
• Next is the check-in - If you choose to check-in in person, go directly to the ‘May I Help You’ desk of your airline and hand over your luggage that you’d like checked-in.
• Keep your IDs handy and once the ID verification is done, collect the boarding pass from there.
• Next is security check, where the airline security will screen your hand luggage (if any). Electronic items, like mobiles and laptops, will need to be taken out of your bag. The security staff will check the tickets and your ID.
• Once done with security, check your exit gate to the flight, boarding time, and other details from your boarding pass or the digital information board.
• If you want, take a rest or grab a snack while waiting for the gate to be opened and boarding to begin. If you're on a layover, look around for interesting things to do.
• Head to the gate once the announcement for your flight is made. Keep the IDs handy all time. Look for your seat and settle down. Follow the airline instructions inside. Take a deep breath, and enjoy your flight!

Tips for Airport Security

• Keep your ID and passport handy at all the time.
• During Security Check: before sending your handbag to the x-ray machine, take out the zip bag of toiletries. Keep all items in a bin including electronics, leather wallet, and jacket before going inside for manual scanning. You need to remove your shoes as well, in case they are made of the leather.
• After Security: once the checking is done, collect your stuff and move at your pace.

While De-boarding

• Collect Your Bags: when you deplane, head to the baggage claim to collect your bags. Usually, the flight staff announces the belt at which you can collect your checked-in luggage, immediately after landing. Follow the instructions.
• Are you meeting someone? BIG HUGS! If not, hire a taxi or rental car to reach your destination, load the luggage, and leave the airport. If you're driving, pay particular attention to traffic, signs, etc.

Wrapping Up!

There is no right or wrong way to prepare for a trip. Follow whatever works best for you. However, having some time and being alert will pay off and you can enjoy the trip fully. Don’t let the fear of airport hassle or other emergency be a hurdle in your way. Have a safe flight!